Leinster preview Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Round 4

In Division 2. Of the Bord Gáis Energy National Ladies Football League Meath travel to Cullaville (new pitch), Co. Armagh to take on the Orchard county. Meath Ladies will be eager to get back on track in the National League as the adverse weather conditions spoiled their chance to take on Donegal at Pairc Tailteann last weekend. That game has been refixed to April the 17th/18th, but Brendan Dardis and his charges will be focused on taking on the Orchard next Sunday. The two sides met in the first round of the All Ireland Qualifiers, where the Royals eased past them on a score line of 1-13 to 0-09, but they will expect a much stronger challenge this time round. Armagh had one point to spare when they defeated the Lilywhites, while the Royals struggled, losing by ten on the opening day of the League. Meath have gelled since the first day however, which makes Meath’s trip on Sunday to Armagh, a mouth-watering prospect. (Aisling Clery Meath Ladies PRO.)

While Kildare face last years all Ireland intermediate champions, Clare, in Eadestown on Sunday next, the home side will be looking to collect all three points from their third home game of the league. The Lilles only win to date was against near neighbours Meath in the first round, however they suffered at the hands of Tipperary and Armagh. Kildare manager Paul Kelly will be hoping that the lilies get back to winning ways, in what should be a close encounter with the banner.

In division three, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow and Westmeath are all in action this weekend, Longford, who have two wins out of three games played travel south to take on table toppers Waterford in Fraher Field, Dungarvan. Referee Pat Keogh will start proceeding at 4pm.

Gerard Devlin of Tyrone will be the man in the middle when Wexford take on a strong Cavan side, in Kingspan Breffni Park. The home side, who sit on top of the division three tables should be favourites to take all three points, however Wexford, who are rebuilding, have the potential to cause an upset, Jim McGovern will have his squad well prepared for this encounter on Sunday next.

Wicklow are also away on Sunday next, the Garden County have a point to prove, when they take on Roscommon in Dr Hyde Park, Wicklow will be looking to over turn last years result in the Bord Gáis Energy NFL division three final, when they were beaten by Roscommon by four points (1-12 to 1-8). The Wicklow side are also going through a rebuilding phase with the introduction of a number minor county players in to the squad, and while Wicklow have only three points on the board, they are more than capable of doubling their tally when referee John Niland of Sligo calls for the ball on Sunday.

Westmeath are at home to Fermanagh, Maggie Farrelly of Cavan will get this fourth round Bord Gáis Energy NFL game under way at 2pm. The home side have been unlucky not to have collected any points in the league to date, while Fermanagh are in joint second place with two wins out of three games played.

In division four, Offaly and Kilkenny take on Antrim and Limerick respectively. Offaly welcome last years junior TG4 all Ireland champions Antrim, to Shamrocks GAA club, Mucklagh, Tullamore for this fourth round clash. While Kilkenny travel to Mungret to go head to head with Limerick. Both Leinster Counties will be looking for improved performances, and although the opposition are stronger on paper, both Offaly and Kilkenny are capable of bagging points from Sunday’s games.